ShubhDiwali!
TaurangaboyShubhOzaiswishingeveryone ahappyDiwali–whichinHindiissaid: ‘ShubhDiwali’–aheadofthecity’sDiwali festivalthismonth.
Thevibrantfestivaloflights,celebrating culture,unityandcommunityspirit,ison Saturday,October18,from2pm-9pmatthe
TaurangaHistoricVillage.Itwillboastseven hoursofinspiringperformancesfromlocal, nationalandinternationalartists,includinga rareandthought-provokingDanceDramaby internationalperformerMaliniTaneja.
“We’reexcitedtopresentarichprogramme thatincludessoulfulKirtanmusic,devotional
storytelling,chantingandmantra,alongside deliciousvegetariancuisineandbeautifully craftedartisangoods,”saidorganiserBelaDasi. Diwali,knownastheFestivalofLights, symbolisesthetriumphoflightoverdarkness, goodoverevil,andknowledgeoverignorance.
“Comeandlightthediyas,sayaprayerfrom
theheartandimmerseyourselfinatruly cultural,soul-touchingfestivalexperiencelike nootherinTauranga,”Dasisaid.
“Bringyourpicnicblankets,reusablecups, anddancingshoesforamagical,soul-touching festivalwhereeveryonefeelsathome.Read moreonpage23. Photo/BrydieThompson
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WhyIhatethevernalequinox…
Itwaslaughingatme,mockingme,asI sweptuptheleavesandseedsandcrap… yetagain,again,again.“Godawfulthing –begone!”.‘It’beingasilverbirchtree–white,peelingbarkanddroopingbranches. Remarkableinitsordinariness. Thenthebreezeconspiredwiththetree–fanning theweepingfoliageintoagracefuldanceanddumping afreshshowerofseeds,leavesandmuckatmyfeet. ExactlywhereIhadjustswept!“#**#!” Theysayinspringtime,theheartregrowshope. Uh-huh!Itmeansasurgeinpollen-sponsoredallergies andrespiratoryhassles.Sonotallbeerandskittles.
AndIresumeamonths’longclean-upafter asilverbirchtreewhichIhavedubbed ‘Putin’–short,outofcontrol,invasiveanda nuisancetoeveryonearoundit.
Asilverbirchhasconesorbractswhich, whendry,producelittleseeds,likeafleur-delysorstylisedlilyoriris.Makesthemsound cuteandlovely.Theyare,buttheyaren’t.I havelearnedtohatethem.
Thousandsofthem,couldbemillions acrosstheseason.Just2-3mmwide,perfectly aero-dynamic,andscatteredafarbythewind tosettleandsprout.
Sowhydomostofthemseemtostopshort atmyfrontdoorjust10mawayfromthe tree?Ifit’stodrivemenuts,it’sworking.
Littleprivateplaces
Andthere’stheproblem.Theydon’tstopat thefrontdoor.Theypenetrateandinfiltrate whenitshouldbeimpossibletodoso.You willfindthemdrizzledonthebutter,inyour salad,you’repickingthemoutofyourteeth, they’rescatteredoverthestairsandfurniture, inthecarpockets,inyourclothes;andin littleprivateplaceswhereI’msurenature neverintendedthemtobe.Andtheywillbe onyourpillowandinyourbedclotheswhen yougotobed.Youcannotescapethem. TheyarethestuffofaHitchcockthriller–inthiscase‘PsychoSilverBirch’inwhich JanetLeighgetsattackedintheshowerbyan invasionofevilseeds.
Sweeping,vacuumingandwillingthem awayjustdoesn’twork.Thesuggestionwasto putflyscreensonwindowsanddoors.Great idea–justthrowmoneyatit!
Ithreatenedthetreewithringbarking,a chainsaw,orsomethingreallynastycalled HackingandSquirting(H&S)–anything thatwouldbringaboutitsend.
Itwasafriendwithanastystreakwho recommendedH&S-ing–cuttinga
downwardwedgeintothetrunkand applyingadeadlyherbicide.Drasticstuff. Thefriendreckoneditmightbetherapeutic, cathartic.Ifeelbetterjustthinkingaboutit.
Pinetreeinaurinal Itwasaninterestingsuggestionconsidering heisadendrophile,atreehugger.
“Ilovealltrees,”hedeclaredgazingatthe ghastlyroguesilverbirch.BitofastretchI thought–thereare3,400,000,000,000trees intheworld–morethan400timesmore treesthanpeople.That’salotoftrees.Alot oflove.
“Ihavestoodtoattentionandsaluted GeneralSherman,”boastedFriend.General Sherman,theCaliforniangiantsequoia, theworld’slargesttreebyvolume,a circumferenceof31m–one-thirdofarugby pitch.TheGeneral’sabigboy.
Butwhataboutmysilverbirch?The leavesandtheseeds?“Ihaveprostrated myselfbeforeHyperion.”Frienddronedon.
TheWeekendSunissubjectto NZMediaCouncilprocedures. First,emailyourcomplainttothe Editorat:newsroom@thesun.co.nz Ifnotsatisfiedorformoredetails, goto:mediacouncil.org.nz
“Namedforthefatherofthesunofcourse.” Ofcourse.Hyperion’sacoastalredwood. Andat116m,it’snineBayhopperbuses high.“IhavehuggedTāneMahuta[TM].” Notanall-envelopinghugthough,because TMhasagirthofnearly16m.
“And,”headded,“Ihaveshakenhandswith apinetree.”
Really?Why?How?“Itwasataurinalin theAlbionHotelinAucklandafewyearsago whenTHEpinetree,ColinMeads,walked in.Evenrugbygodstakeamortalpee.”
PineTreewasatafunction,whileFriend wasjusthavingafunction.PineTreesaid somethingprofoundlike:‘Giddaymate?’and shookFriend’shand.Well,crushedhishand. Huge,stronghandsthatman.Probably hardenedonsomeSouthAfricanskullina rugbyscrum.
Now,aboutmysilverbirchtreeseeds. They’restillplayingmindgameswithme. JustwhenIthinkI’mridofthem,more flutterin…again,still!
Passmeanaxe
Friendputasidehistreehuggingtendencies andbecamethelumberjack.Anaxehe suggested.Wouldmakemefeelgood,butit couldhaveconsequences.Unfortunateones. Youarenotallowedtokilltreesthataren’t yours,sonoaxe,nohackingandsquirting. Butyoucantrimbranchesandrootswith Putin-ishimperialisthabitsthatencroach overyourborders.
Butforanyoneelseouttherewithan irrationalanddeep-seatedloathingofsilver birchtrees,youhaveanempathiser.Perhaps weshouldformasupportgroup?
Nowthesilverbirchsmuglysays:“Keep sweepingbuddybecauseIwillbecasting seedsandleavesandmess,longafteryou’re gone”.Okaytree–Ihavehadmymoan.I willlivelearntolivewithyou.
AresidentofTauranga’slargestsuburb, Pāpāmoa,isfrustratedhisconcernsabout roadnoiseandsafetyhavebeen“fobbedoff” bythecouncil.
JanNealelivesonPāpāmoaBeachRdandsaid theroadnoiseoutsidehishomeisunacceptable.
Hewasalsoconcernedaboutvehiclesspeeding downhisstretchofroadbetweenDomainRdand PalmBeachBoulevard.
Nealepresentedapetitionabouthisconcernsto TaurangaCityCouncilinAprillastyear.
Heaskedthecounciltoreplacethechipseal surfacewithasphaltandaddplantstothe400m bankoppositehimtoreducethenoise.
“It’snoisiestpartofPāpāmoaBeachRdbecause it’sgotthat3.5mbankacrosstheroad,whichjust amplifiesthenoise,anditshootsitrightintoour frontyards.”
UsingadecibelapponhisphoneNealesaidhe recordedroadnoiseat87dBoutsidehishome.
ClosertotheDomainRdintersectionwherethe roadwasasphaltthenoiselevelwas20dBlower, hesaid.
TheHearingHealthFoundation’swebsitesaid soundsabove70dBcandamagehearingovertime. NealesaidnothinghasbeendonesinceApriland thecouncilhavebeen“fobbingmeoff”.
Hehaslivedinhishomefor10yearsandhas beencampaigningforimprovementsfortwoyears.
Nealehasspent$60,000ondoubleglazingthe
windowsandre-claddinghishometotryand reducenoise.
Hecan’tsitonhisdeckduringpeaktrafficand wearsearplugswhenworkingoutsidebecauseof thenoise.
“Thatconstantnoisejustmakesyousoangry.It’s notgoodforyourhealth,puttingupwiththatsort ofstress.”
CouncilheadoftransportMikeSeabournesaid arecenttrafficcountforthatsectionofPāpāmoa BeachRdwas9300vehiclesperday.
Theroadsurfacewasingoodoperablecondition andthecouncildidnothaveplanstoreplaceit,he said.
Ifthecouncilweretoasphalttheroadbetween DomainRdandStellaPlacewherethebankended thefootpathwouldalsoneedtobereplaced, Seabournesaid.
Theasphaltandanewfootpathwouldcost $2.04mwhichwas“significantlymore”than chipseal,hesaid.
Thecostofasphaltwasaboutfivetimesthatof chipsealsowasreservedforuseonthemosthighly traffickedroads,Seabournesaid
ThecouncilalsoneededtocomplywithNew ZealandTransportAgencypolicytoqualifyfora subsidytowardresealing, hesaid.
LDRislocalbodyjournalism co-fundedbyRNZandNZ OnAir
Callmeforyour free, noobligationMarketAppraisal Nopressure,andit’sgoodtoknow thevalueofyourproperty.
I’llkeepyouupdatedfromtimetotime asthemarketchanges.
Phone0800RACH4U
No.1AgentPapamoaOffice2020-2025 Top5GreaterTaurangaArea2020-2025
Afamilyoffighters:Taurangasisters
Warning:Thisstoryincludesreferencestosuicide andmentalhealthandmaybedistressing.
PyesPawomanStephanie
Samuelson’slifeflashedbefore hereyeswhenshewasdiagnosed withbreastcancerlastJanuary.
“IwassoscaredthatIwas goingtodie.”
The34-year-oldwentfrombeing “superbubbly,outgoing,nothing-canstop-me”tosufferingpanicattackstwo
daysafterherdiagnosis. Doctorscaughtherstage3fastgrowingtumourearly.
Youngandfit,Samuelsonassumed thelumpinherbreastwasacyst.But itdidn’tgoawayafterfivemonths, soshebookedanultrasoundanda mammogram.Whenherdoctorasked hertocomeinandbringasupport person,sheknewitwasn’tthenewsshe wantedtohear.
Samuelsonreceivedherdiagnosisin
TaraWilliamswas diagnosedwithbreast cancerin2021andher youngersisterSteph Samuelsonhasfoughtbreast cancerthisyear. Photos/BrydieThompson
January2025andhadafullmastectomyinFebruary. However,shewasn’tthefirstpersoninherfamily tobediagnosedwithbreastcancer–hermumSue Shrimptonandoldersister,TaraWilliams,haveboth sufferedfromthediseasetoo.
Mumthensister
Shrimpton,nowaged71,wasdiagnosedin2020. “She’satrooper,thatwoman,”thesisterssaid. Williams,aged49,wasdiagnosedayearlaterin 2021,afterafreemammogramoncesheturned45. “Everyweektherewassomething,”saidWilliams. “CT,MRI,andbiopsies.”
Herbiggesttumourwas35mmandgrade3. Williamsdescribedherfivemonthsofchemotherapy as“superrough”.
Havingseenheroldersisterendurechemotherapy, Samuelsondecidedagainstthetreatment. Thesisterssaidatleasttheyhadeachother’sbacks. “We’reareallytightfamily,”saidSamuelson.
Williamssaidadifferentfamilymember accompaniedhertoeverychemosession.
WhenSamuelson,theyoungestofalleightsiblings, wasdiagnosed,Williams’firstthoughtwas:“Thiscan’t behappening”.
Samuelson’sson,eight-year-oldKooper,also struggled.Shechokedupwhilesaying:“Itaffectedhim morethanherealised”.
Herhusband,Mikey,hasbeen“sosupportiveand workingsobloodyhard”.
“He’llworka12-hourday,comehome,cook,anddo thedishes.Icouldnotthankhimenough.”
Ashock
Samuelsonsaidherdiagnosiscameasashockeven thoughhermotherandsistersufferedfrombreast cancer,becauseherpreviousgenetestingwasnegative.
Williamshasteenagedaughters,sotheirfuturealso playsonhermind.
Shedoesn’twanttoscarethematsuchayoungage,
Formoreinformationcallorvisit: 0800327360 | resonatehealth.co.nz It’stimetojoinResonate.
Cometooneofour29HearingHealthStudios toexperienceNewZealand’sbestservice andtrytop-of-the-rangehearingaidtech. Ifyoulikewhatyouhear,startyour $90amonth,noobligationsubscription. It’sassimpleasthat.
supporteachotherincancerbattles
butadvisedotherstocheckthemselvesregularly. “Ifyoufeelanythingdifferent,you’vegottoletyour doctorknow.”
Don’tletitsit!
Nomatterwhatageyouare,ifyoufeelsomething, check.Don’tletitsitthereatall.”
Samuelsonsaidshewasatherfittestwhenshe receivedherdiagnosis.“Ihadneverfeltbetter.Iwas exercisingsomuch.Iwouldn’thaveknownanything.” WhenWilliamswasdiagnosed,Samuelson,32atthe time,triedtohaveamammogram.
However,becauseofheryoungage,Samuelsonsaid medicalprofessionalsdecidedagainstthescreening. Shesaidtheypredictedthatifsheweretogetbreast cancer,itwouldn’thapppenuntilshewasinherforties. Two years later, she was diagnosed.
ecovery
Recoveryhasbeena“mentalbattle”forSamuelson, whogetsvitaminCandIVfluidseverycoupleof weeks at Godfrey MedicalCentre since she said no to chemotherapy
StephSamuelson atherhomein PyesPa.Sheand husband,Mikey, namedtheir property‘The Sanctuary’.
andradiation.Shehastositawayfromothers sometimes,becauseit’s“toomuch”hearingabouttheir experiences.Somethingwilltriggerher,settingoffan anxietyspiral.
Samuelsonsaidshe’sbeenstrugglingwithanxiety andpanicattackseversinceherdiagnosis.Thepanic attackshadstoppedherfromkeepingherhairdressing salonopen,andshehasn’tbeenabletoreturntowork.
“Iabsolutelymissmyclients.They’renotjustpeople tome;theyarelikefriendsandfamily.Igetmessages allthetimefromthem.”
Williamsisn’tthesameeither,nowfacing heartproblemsthatcouldbeaconsequenceof chemotherapyandradiation.Shetendstohergarden butexperiencesfatigueandbodyaches.
B BCSSTT suppporrt
TheBreastCancerSupportServiceTrustTauranga (BCSSTT)hadbeen“amazing”throughoutboth sisters’journeys.
“Theladiesaresolovely,”saidSamuelson. “Theyringyouallthetimejusttocheckinand see how you are, ifyouneed anything ” The sisters
particularlyravedaboutsupportworker KathHamiltonandmassagetherapist MichelleStewart.
AfterSamuelsonreceivedher diagnosis,sherangBCSSTT.Hamilton answeredandinsistedthatSamuelson comeintotheiroffice.Hamiltontold Samuelson:“Comein,comein–just comein!”Samuelsonleftwithherarms fulloffood.“Theyjustwanttogiveyou somethingallthetime.”
Nostoppingher
DespitethechallengesSamuelsonhas
faced,whenhersonKooperracedin Rotorua’sCrankworxmountainbiking competitioninMarch,“nothingwas stoppingme[fromcheeringhimon].”
SheclimbedthehillyRedwoodForest withdrainsattachedtoherbody. NothingwasstoppingSamuelsonfrom conqueringbreastcancereither.Nine monthsonfromdiagnosis,shedescribed herstagenowas“precautionary, alternativetreatment”.
*TofindoutmoreaboutBreastCancer SupportServicesTaurangaTrust,turn topage14.
Alittlesomethingforyourself
refreshandmaintain your looks, using some of the best andmost up todate treatments
Ageing is a privilege however, some of the less desirable effects of facial ageing can prevent us from looking as good as we feel
Whether it’s a few frown lines glaringback at you mirror, or sad, dow corners of your mo
SharonMelrose at Rejuvenation
Cosmetic Medicin offers an honest, down-to-earth appraisal and cosmetic medicine treatments that
Eachperson has a unique facial appearance which is like their personal ‘logo’ Sharon says that“Clients generally want topreserve that uniqueness for as long as is reasonable Most clients are of are prettyhappywith their appearance but, are less happy about how rapidly the ageing process can change their looks”
Specialising in treatments that reinvent facial has high appeal and particularlybusy With n the fieldof cosmetic e under her belt, has accumulated a wealthofhighly tuned skills and experience which results in better treatment outcomes for her clients
Sharon
Sharon says:“An eye for knowingwhat is going to suit or enhance each client, is alsowhere experience counts The‘trend of the moment’may not necessarily suit everybodyor look flattering” Keepingprices competitive, is a very important part of a goodvalue treatment Sharon only uses well-known, goodquality products that come with a proven, safety track record People are often surprised at how relatively inexpensive treatments can be For example, a treatment to smooth tired, angry lookingfrown lines, starts out from as little as $220
Treatment withdermal fillers can last up to a year or more and apart fromproviding an immediate improvement, it’s been well researched anddocumented that some hyaluronic acidbaseddermal fillers, have long lastingbenefits tofacial skin. Dermal fillers are used to addvolume to sunken cheeks and firm up sagging, lined skin They’re also fabulous to re-define lip edges and replace a small amount ofvolume to
the body of the lips in a natural-looking way Sharon encourages prospective clients to consider embarkingon small treatments togain confidence, before progressing to other treatments Each client has their own plan of treatment which is implemented in order ofpriority, time andbudget
PhoneSharonMelrose021 502525 for a complementary and confidential appointment todiscuss how these treatments might benefit you
Steph Samuelsonleaving the hospital after breastcancer surgery.
BijouJohnson
SelectedforCommonwealthchesscchamps
TaurangateenJoshuaBarnes isheadingtoMalaysianext monthafterbeingselectedto representNewZealandatthe 2025CommonwealthChess Championship.
Remarkably,the14yearold, homeschooledstudentonlybegan competingseriouslytwoyearsago.
“I’mexcitedtobeselectedforthe teamandI’mreallylookingforwardto representingNewZealandwhileplaying overtheboardgameswithplayersfrom somanydifferentcountries,”Joshua
said.Hisselectioncapsoffarapidrise throughthechessranks.In2023he achievedtheChessPowerJuniorMaster title.Hethensethimselfthegoalsof improvinghisNewZealandChess Federation(NZCF)andInternational ChessFederation(FIDE)ratingsandto onedayrepresenthiscountry.
“Thatonedayishere,”Joshuasaid. Nextambition
Hisnextambitionistosecurean officialFIDEtitle.
AswellastheCommonwealth Championship,Joshuawillplayin the2025OceaniaYouthZonalChess
ChampionshipinBrisbanethisDecember 2026ArthurPomeroyMemorialCupinvit tournamentinAucklandinJanuary,which topjuniorplayersfromNZandoverseas. BarneshasbeenarisingstarinNewZeal Firstlearningchessfromhisdad,hethen underFIDEMasterBobSmith.
In2023hewonsixfromsixgamesonth topboardattheNZCFBayofPlentyScho IntermediateRegionals.Twoyearslaterin hewonsixfromsixonthetopboardatth NZCFBayofPlentySchoolsSecondary Regionals.
Sofar,he’dcompetedintournaments acrossAuckland,Wellington,New Plymouth,KapitiCoastandPalmerston NorthandtrainsweeklyviaZoomwith aFIDEInternationalMasterbasedin Brazil.
“There’sonlyonetournamentheldin Taurangaeachyear,soforhimtobe abletoplaytournamentswehaveto headoutoftownsohecancompete atthelevelheneedsto,”saidBarnes’ motherGemmaBarnes.
;andthe tational h features10 landChess. n trained he ools 2025 e
Superproud
“We’resuperproudandit’samazing toseehimachievingthegoalshehasset Joshuasaidhighlightsofhischess journeysofarhadincludedplayinginthe FIDEGuinnessWorldRecordattempt, meetingformerWorldChampion ViswanathanAnand,andtakingpartin theFIDE100yearOlympiadtorchlightingceremony.
“W ’d l
Inlate-2024hisfamilyestablishedtheBishopsof PlentyJuniorChessClubinTauranga,afterparents beganaskingJoshuatocoachtheirchildren.Theclub nowmeetsweeklyandcatersforbeginnersthroughto tournamentplayers.
Lastmonththeclublauncheditsfirstmonthlyjunior tournament,attracting39players.
“We’dalreadybeenworkingtowardssavingforthe Brisbanetournament,butnowwewanttohelpJoshua gettoMalaysiawiththisincredibleopportunity,” Gemmasaid.
TohelpcovercostsofJoshua’sinternationaltravel andtournamententryfees,peoplecandonateat: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-joshua-representnz-at-the-commonwealth-chess
Joshua Barnes, 14, has been selected to represent New Zealand at the 2025 Commonwealth Chess Championship in November in Malaysia. Photo / Supplied
RosalieLiddleCrawford
Gala a and AgDDay tocelebrate ruraal spirit
KaimaiSchool studentMatilda Skellon-Storey,9, feedinglambZoey.
Photo/AylaYeoman
KaimaiSchoolishostingitsannualgala andAgdaytomorrow,Saturday,October 11,from9am-12pm,featuringarangeof exhibitsforeveryonetoenjoyviafreeentry.
Asasmallschool,fundraiserswerecrucial,and everydollarfromthiseventwouldgostraight backtoKaimaiSchoolforthingsthatmakeschool lifericher–suchassportsgear,choircostumes, classroomandlibraryresources,andmemorable learningexperiences,saidPTAsecretaryLianne Skellon-Storey.
“AgDayisaboutbringingourruralcommunity togetherandcelebratingourkids,”saidSkellonStorey,whoreckonedstudentshadspentweeks preparingexhibitsduringclasstimeandcaring fortheiranimalsathomepriortotheevent.
Thedaywouldincludeabarbecue,gamesand entertainmentsuchasanimaljudgingofcalves, lambsandchickens,apreschoolpetparade, bouncycastle,lawngames,scavengerhunt,bake sale,GrannyJanejars(jarfilledwithgoodiesto sell),andastudentartexhibition.
Skellon-Storeysaidafavouritepartofthe eventforparentswasseeingmonthsofcareand trainingpayoffwhentheirchildrenpresented theiranimalsandartwork.“Theprideontheir
facessaysitall.”KaimaiSchoolhadrunitsAg Dayformorethan40years–andthistime wouldbeagoodchancetomeetand welcomethenewprincipalMatthewJackson, saidSkellon-Storey.
“We’vealsoexpandedourstallswithmore vendorsthaneverbefore,there’sboundtobe somethingforeveryone.
“Thegaladayisjustafundayfortheschool andwidercommunity,achancetogettogether andcelebratethehardworkofthechildrenand showcasethebestofourruralcommunity.
“Thesupportwereceivehelpsusprovideextras thatmakeabigdifferenceforourKaimaikids.”
Skellon-Storeysaidtheeventgainedalotof supportfromlocalfamilieswhovolunteeredtheir effortsandlocalbusinesseswhichgotinvolvedas stallholdersorprovideddonationsforraffles.
Homemadepreserves,plants,localhoney, homewares,baking,jewellery,locally-made skincareproductswouldbeforsale,plusacoffee cartwillbeon-site..
WesternBayofPlentyDistrictCouncilwould alsohaveaballotboxpresentforanylast-minute votestobecastintheLocalBodyElection.
KaimaiSchool’slgalaandAgdayis9am-12pm Saturday,October11.Entryisfree. AylaYeoman
Aching,cramping,itchy, restlessorswollenlegs?
Varicoseveinsmaybecausingthesesymptoms. CalltobookanassessmentwithDrAnuyato seewhatcanbedonenon-surgicallyforyour varicoseorspiderveins.
BOOKYOUR CONSULTATION
CLOSERTO HEALTHIER LEGS
Quick-thhinking 10-yeaar-old rescuues drownning todddler
“Shewassecondsaway.Shhe was grey as concrete.”ThisishowKayla a Saia described thethree-year-oldgirlhher daughter rescuedfromthebottom m of a Mount
Maunganuipoool
KaliaSaia,10,hasbeencalleda“hero” after her quick-thinkingrescueinNewZealand’s biggest wave poolatBaywavelastMonday.
MumKaylaSaiasaidthepoolwasteemingwith people,givenitwastheschoolholidays.Thewave machinewasturnedon.
Kaliawasplayingwithherfriendinthewaveswhen shesawthetoddlerlyingmotionlessatthebottomof thepool;andthoughtthegirlwastryingtoseehow longshecouldholdherbreathunderwater.“Butno bubbleswerecomingup.”
Kaliaquicklyjumpedintoaction,surfacingforabig breathbeforedivingdowntogetthegirl.Thechild wasatthebottomofthedeependonablackstrip, makingherdifficulttosee,Saiasaid.TheBaywave wavepoolhasadepthofupto1.8m.
Kaliapulledthechildtothesurfacebeforepassing hertoherfriendsoshecoulduseherarmstosignalto thelifeguards.
CPR
Saiapassedthechildontothelifeguards,who immediatelybeganfirstaidandCPR.Sheheldtowels aroundthetoddlertoprovideprivacyandkeepfrom otherchildrenseeingwhatwasgoingon.“Shewas unconscious,shehadbilecomingoutofhermouth.” Lifeguardsmanagedtogetthechildbreathing,but shewasstillunconscious.
Saiasaiditwasprobablyonly10-15minutesbefore theambulancearrived,butitfeltlikeaneternity.
HatoHoneStJohnsaidanambulancewascalled about2.10pmandtookthechildtoTaurangaHospital incriticalcondition.Learninglaterthatthechildhad criedintheambulancegaveSaiaalotofrelief.
Shedeclinedtocommentonquestionsaboutthe toddler’scaregiver,giventheincidentwasunder investigation.
Amiracle
Asamotheroffive,includingathree-year-old,Saia saidtheeventwastraumatisinganditkeptreplaying inhermind.Sheunderstoodthetoddlerwasreleased fromthehospitalonWednesday,“happyandhealthy”, whichshedescribedasamiracle.
BaywavestaffhadstayedintouchwiththeSaia family,wholiveinWelcomeBay,todiscussthe incidentandoffersupport.
SaiasaidthelifeguardswereamazedbyKalia’sjump intoaction.TheYear5studentatTaurangaWaldorf Schooldidnothaveanylifeguardingexperience.
TaurangaWaldorfSchoolYear5studentKalia
Kalia’sparentstoldSunLivetheywereveryproud oftheirdaughterandsaidshewasbeingcalledan “earthangel”anda“hero”byfamilyandfriendsinthe community.
TheysaidKaliaisthemiddlechild,andhadalways actedlikealittlemum,takingcareofhersiblingsand preparingtheirschoollunches.
Sheenjoysknitting,playingviolinandreading,and wantstobecomeaveterinarianwhenshegrowsup.
Quick-thinkingandselfless
BayVenuesgeneralmanagerofcommunityfacilities, PaulDunphy,saidtheBaywaveteamwantedto acknowledgeeveryonewhohelpedwiththerescue.
DunphysaidKaliaandherfamilywereclosebyin thepoolandhelpedgetthechildtolifeguardsquickly.
“Theirquickthinkingandselflessactionsaredeeply appreciatedandtrulyadmirable.WehopeKalia’s heroicactionsandinitiativeinspireotherstolookout foroneanotherinandaroundthewater.”
DunphyalsocreditedBaywave’slifeguardsfortheir professionalismanddedicationinadministeringfirst aidandCPR,resuscitatingthechild.
“Thechildhasfullyrecoveredandisnowhomewith theirfamily.Thispositiveoutcomeistheresultofthe collectiveeffortsofeveryoneinvolved.”
BayVenueswasconductingathoroughreviewofthe incidentandhadcontactedWorkSafeandRecreation Aotearoaaspartofstandardproceduresforthis.
Fullystaffed
DunphypreviouslyconfirmedBaywavewasfully staffedwithlifeguardsatthetimeoftheincident.
Sixlifeguardswereonduty,includingthreestationed atthewavepool.“Weoperateataratioofone lifeguardforevery50peopleinthewater,which meetsthecurrentindustryguidelinewhenitcomesto lifeguardstaffinglevels.”
Baywave’schildsupervisionpolicyrequiredone supervisoraged16-plusforeverytwochildrenaged underfiveandtheymuststayinthepoolwithinarm’s reach.WorkSafeconfirmedithadbeennotifiedofthe incidentandwasmakingenquiriestodeterminethe nextstepsbutatthisstage,itwasnotinvestigating.
AylaYeoman
Taurangastudentstacklebussafetywithvideo
Anewvideocampaignreminds studentshowtostaysafewhen catchingthebustoandfrom school,asTerm4beganthisweek andhundredsreturnedtotheir dailycommutes.
The‘Staybussmart’video, developedinpartnershipwith TravelSafeandŌtūmoetaiCollege, highlightedsimplebutvital behavioursthathelpkeepeveryone safe–especiallyduringbusy morningandafternooncommutes. Inthepastyear,twoTauranga schoolstudentshavebeenhitbya
caraftercrossinginfrontofabus. ŌtūmoetaiCollegestudentAlliya, whostarsinthevideoandhelped writethescript,saidstudents wantedthemessageto feelauthenticandrelatablefor theirpeers.
“Wewantedtospreadamessage thattrulyspeakstostudents.Bus safetyismorethanjustfollowing rules–it’saboutlookingout foreachotherandkeeping everyonesafe.” Thevideofollowsagroupof studentsastheydemonstratekey
safetytips,including:standing backfromthekerbwhilewaiting forthebus,toavoidaccidentswith mirrorsortraffic;givingthedriver spacetopullinsafely–especially whenwaitinginlargegroups; crossingsafelybywalkingbehind thebus,neverinfront,andalways checkingbothways;andwaiting untilthebushasleftbeforecrossing theroad,ensuringaclearviewfor bothstudentsanddrivers.Viewthe videoat:www.tauranga.govt.nz/ transport/road-safety/travel-safe/ travel-safe-news
Saia,10,hasbeenhailedahero. Photo/Supplied
Playalongtheway incitycentre
Areyouneedingtobringalittlejoy backintoyourday?Takeastroll throughTauranga’scitycentreand you’lluncoverinteractiveinstallations likeanin-groundtrampoline,acrazy mirror,high-fivehands,anda bunnyearsbeadrail.
DowntownTaurangaisnowalsohometo threevibrantpavementmuralsdesignedto injectfunandplayfulnessintocitywalks. CommissionedbyTaurangaCityCouncil andpaintedbymuralistSarahJoCornish, theinteractivemuralsarepartofawider programmedesignedtocreateplayfulroutes throughthecitycentre,saidTCCurban centresdevelopmentmanagerEmilyMcLean.
“Ourgoalistohelpfamilies‘playalongthe way’astheymovebetweencarparks,busstops andpopulardestinationslikethewaterfront playground,makingthejourneyamorejoyful experienceforeveryone,”McLeansaid.
Inspiration
“Wedrewinspirationfromchildhoodgames like‘thefloorislava’,incorporatingthese playfulelementsthatencouragejumping, hopping,andimaginativeplay.”
Thefootpathmuralsarestrategically positionednearparkingbuildingentrancesat SpringStandElizabethSt,andneartheDive Crescentcarpark.Designedtoturnfootpaths intoengagingexperiences,themuralsinvite movementandaddpocketsofsurpriseand delight,McLeansaid.
Cornishsaidshewasapproachedforthe
projectafterbeingrecommendedbyEllie Smith,thecouncil’sheadofpublicart.
“Theywantedsomethingvibrant,fun,and playful–andmystylesuitedwheretheywere going,”Cornishsaid.“Thecouncilhaddone temporary‘thefloorislava’and‘theflooris water’stickersthatwerepopularbutdidn’t lastlong,sothiswasaboutcreatingsomething morepermanent.”
Eachmuralfeaturesauniquetheme, includingadesertcactussceneconceptualised byCornish,whowasgivenfullcreative freedomonthatdesign,aswellasplenty offreedomintheotherdesignsaround interpretingcouncil’sbrief.
Colourfulandbright
“Theytoldmetomakethemcolourfuland bright.Ichoseapalettethat’snottoointense, withintentionalshadingandcolourmatching tokeepeverythingcohesive.”
Cornishspenteightdaysoneachmural, layeringpainttoensurebold,brightcolours andtoincreasedurability.Sheusedagritted, non-slipbasecoattoensuresafetyforusers.
Thetwolargermuralsmeasure2mby6m withallthreecoveringatotalof36m2.
Thiswasherfirsttimepaintingonthe ground.“I’dlovetodomorebecauseit’svery fun–maybeevendesignsthatspillfromthe wallontothefloor.”
Cornishhasbeenworkingas‘TheLazy Mermaid’muralistforalittlemorethana yearbuthadalreadycompletednearlyadozen muralsonvarioussurfacesincludinginterior andexteriorwalls,gardenwalls,shipping containers,andnowpavements.Shesaidthe
MuralistSarahJoCornish painting‘TheFloorisLava’ muralatthecornerofSpringSt andDurhamSt. Photo/BrydieThompson.
CBD experience was particularly rewarding “Theoverwhelmingmajorityofpeopleare very willing tobereally kind, complimentary,
ygy,py, interestedandengaged,”Cornishsaid.
Broughttolife
“Itwassolovelytointeractwithsomany people...andtoseehowmuchlifehasbeen broughtintothecityingeneralandthentobe apartofit.”
Cornishnowplannedtoupskillbyearning herworking-at-heightslicencetotackleeven largerprojects.
McLeansaidthethreemuralssupport council’svisionofcreatingacitycentrethatis welcomingandfunforpeopleofallages.
“Weknowthatkids,andtheyoungatheart, lovetojumpandtapawningsignsasthey movethroughthecity,sowehavealsoinstalled
“Thecolourfulhandsswingwhenyouhit them,andsomeareabithighertocreatean extrachallenge.
“Theheartofourcityisreawakening, becomingavibrant,inclusive,andwelcoming placetolive,work,learn,andplay.Interactive playelementslikethesebringmorecolourand energytoourcitycentre,whilepromoting playfulactivityandconnectionwiththespaces wemovethrougheveryday.”
Taurangaresidentsandvisitorscanenjoy Cornish’screations–colourfulsteppingstones ofplayscatteredthroughtheheartofthecity, alongwithotherplayelements–listedona ‘playalongtheway’map,council’sWhat’son Taurangawebsite.
RosalieLiddleCrawford Privatetoursavailablebyappointment. 210MaranuiStreet,MountMaunganui pacificcoastvillage.co.nz|075723029
the colourful ‘high five hands’ on Durham and Springstreets,alongsidetheparkingbuilding,” McLeansaid.
2025 Annual General Meetings
Tuesday, 4 November 2025 at 2:30pm Bay Oval, Kaiwaka Street, Mount Maunganui
Notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meetings of the TECT Community Trust Group (TECT Community Trust & TECT Holdings Ltd), TECT Consumer Trust and Beneficiaries of TECT (Consumers).
Full Annual Reports and Notice of Meetings are available at www.tect.org.nz
Special guest presentation from Triathlon Tauranga on the recently announced World Triathlon Series coming to Tauranga. Hear first-hand about how these events are set to boost our economy and energise the triathlon community.
BayofPlenty Steamersbeat Wellington33-26 atPoriruaParkon October4. Photo/Supplied
Steamers lock in home quarterfinal Steamerslockin homequarterfinal
TheBayofPlentySteamershaveclinched ahomequarterfinalinthe2025Bunnings NPCafterfinishingthirdintheroundrobinstandings,cappingofftheirregular seasonwithagutsy33-26comebackwin overWellingtonlastweekend.
Thatresult–combinedwithSunday’sfinalround outcomes–confirmedBayofPlentywillhost TasmaninaknockoutclashthisSaturday,October 11atTaurangaDomain,withkick-offat4.10pm. Itmarksareturntoplayoffrugbyinfrontof homefansfortheSteamers,whosurgedintothe topfourwith36competitionpointsfrom10 matches.TheysitjustbehindCanterbury,with42 points,andOtagowith41,Hawke’sBayon35. Saturday’squarterfinalwillbeakeytestfora BayofPlentysidebuoyedbytheirremarkable fightbackagainstdefendingchampionsWellington inPorirua.Down21-0after28minutes,the Steamersralliedwith33unansweredpointsto claimtheirmostsignificantwinoftheseason–andavengelastyear’sheartbreakingextra-time NPCfinallosstotheLions.
HeadcoachRichardWattsaidthemessageat
half-timewassimple:winandlookaftertheball.
“Weweren’tbuildingphases.We’dgotwo orthreeandthencoughitup,”Wattsaid.“At half-time,Isaid:‘We’regoingtoseewhatyour characterisnow’.Andtheydelivered.”
WhileflankerJoeJohnstonremainedunderan injurycloudaftertakingaknocktotheknee,the restofthesquadhadcomethroughunscathedand werenowfocusedonrecoveryandpreparation.
TheSteamersreturnedtoTaurangalateSaturday nightandhadbeentrainingwiththecertaintyof bothopponentanddatenowlockedin.
Watt,aformerWellingtonianhimself,saidthe winovertheLionsheldextrasignificancegiven BayofPlenty’shistoricalstrugglesagainstthem–andlastyear’sfinalstillfreshintheteam’smind.
“Togodownthereanddoanumberonthem, especiallycomingfromwherewewereinthefirst half,itjustshowedtheheartthisgrouphas.”
WithTaurangaDomainsettohostknockout rugbythisweekend,Watthopedthelocalcrowd willturnupinforce.“It’sthebusinessendofthe seasonnow–we’reproudtobebackhome,and wewanttomakeitcount.”
GetticketstotheOctober11gameat: www.boprugby.co.nz
RosalieLiddleCrawford
TePunakindergartenholdsTrike-a-Thon
The annual Trike-a-Thon and fundraiser, facilitated by Te Puna Community Kindergarten, returns for anotheryearat Te Puna PrimarySchool. Tomorrow,October11,kidswillbehittingthe trackattheschoolontheirdecoratedtrikes,bikes, andscooters.Anyonecancomedownbetween 10amandmidday–butonly preschoolersundertheage fivewillbepermittedon thetrack.
TePunaCommunity Kindergartenheadteacher EllenWhitesaidallmoney raisedattheeventwouldgo towardsthethirdstage ofthekindergarten’s playground.
“Thisstage involves expanding the
sandpitarea,addingshadeandincorporatingplants –approjectthatwillprovideendlessopportunitiesfor playy, exploration,andlearning,”Whitesaid. Attomorrow’sTrike-a-Thonkidscollect sponnsorshipforeverylapcompleted,Whitesaid. “Theeyweresenthomewithformsfortheirparents, famiily,andneighbours–whoeverwantstosupport theccause.”
Shesaidkidshavealreadystarteddecoratingtheir helmmets.“It’sourbig,community,funeventwehave forttheyear.We’vegotateatowelswiththekids’ pictuureson,kawakawabalm,flavouredbutters,a bake e stall,sausagesizzle,andplantstall,”saidWhite. TePunaCommunityKindergartenreleaseditsown cookkbookin2018title‘GroundedinGoodness’. CoppieswillbeavailableforpurchaseattheTrikea-ThThontoo.Theywouldalsoofferfacepainting, ballooonanimals,andasecondhandclothingsaleat theeevent.
Whhitesaidtherewillbearaffleandsilentauctions with h “fantasticprizes”donatedbythecommunity. Raaffleticketsare$5eachor3for$10.Thegrand prize e isakids’outdoorplayhouse;secondprizeisa kids’ ’ mudkitchen;andthethirdprizeisakids’toy hammper.
“KKidscanrideanythingfromascootertoatwowheelerwithnotrainerwheels”onthetrackatTe Puna a PrimarySchool,saidWhite. Hoowever,kidsmustwearhelmetsandshoes,and pareentsmustsupervisethem.
Whhiteencouragedfamiliestocomedown“for asauusageorapieceofbakingortakehomesome vegeetables”.
“It t allgoestowardsareallygoodcause.We’rea not--for-profit(NFP),soallthemoneythatgets raiseedgoesrightbackintothechildren.” Incaseofwetweather,thepostponementdate isOOctober18.
Anya Dirske, 3, is heading to the Trike-a-Thon tomorrow at Te Puna Primary School.
Photo / Brydie Thompson
BreastCancerSupportServicesTauranga Trust(BCSST)isalocalcharitythat providesfree,friendly,andpracticalsupport toanyoneintheWesternBayofPlenty diagnosedwithbreastcancer, andtheirwhānau.
Theyknowthateverybreastcancerjourneyis different,whichiswhytheytakeapersonalised approachtosupport–ensuringyoufeelheard, understoodandsupportedinawaythatworks foryou.
NewCEO’sgoals
Recently-appointedCEOLisaHultonsaid herfocusissimple:fasteraccesstosupport, clearerinformation,andstrongercommunity connections.
“Overthenextyearwe’rerefreshingourwebsite andcommunicationssoit’seasierforpeopleto findwhattheyneed,simplifyingreferralpathways, growingourvolunteernetwork,andbuilding sustainablefundraising,”shesaid.
newly-diagnosedresidentseachyearandoffering ongoingsupporttomorethan950people.
HultonsaidBCSSThadbeenpartofthis communityformorethan30years.“Unlike nationalorganisations,wearecompletelylocaland receivenogovernmentfunding.
“WearenotpartoftheBreastCancer FoundationortheCancerSociety.Everything wedoismadepossiblebythegenerosityoflocal businesses,grants,andfundraising,”saidHulton.
“We’retheclubyoudon’twanttobelongto,but you’regladwe’reherewhenithappens.”
HOTPinkWalkreturns!
BCSST’sbiggestcommunitycelebrationand fundraiser,theHOTPinkWalk,isbacknext Wednesday,October15,bigger,brighter,and pinkerthanever,saidHulton.
“Joinusfrom5pmatthesouthernendofthe WaterfrontonTheStrand.Thecruisy3kmwalk kicksoffalongTauranga’sbeautifulwaterfront andwindsthroughtheCBD,withplentyof entertainmenthotspotsalongtheway.
“Thisissowecanultimatelyprovideevenmore wrap-aroundservicesforourcommunity.“The goalisthateveryoneintheWesternBOPknows aboutourserviceandcangetpractical,localhelp whentheyneedit–reducingstressforpatients andtheirwhānau.”
BCSSTcoversthewiderWesternBOParea,from WaihitoMaketu–supportingmorethan230
Momo–orDynamomoasshe's knownbyherfriends–isasmart 18-month-oldfemalepuplookingfor afamilywhereshecanusehersharp brain.
Fullyofbeansandzestforlife, Momoisaclevercloggsandlovesto getoutandabout.
Shehasaverylovingnatureandis keentoplease,respondingverywell totreattrainingandlovestowork. Shealsorespondswelltoashepherd’s whistleforrecall.
“Thinklivemusic,laughter,festivalvibes, whānauandfriends–plusthemuch-lovedPink PoochParadeforourfurryfriends.”
Registrationis$10peradultand$2for child.Registerand/ordonatetodayat:www. hotpinkwalk.co.nz
TofindoutmoreaboutBreastCancerSupport ServicesTauranga,visit:www.breastcancerbop.org. nz
Thisenergiser r bunnyloves being busy,playinggames,going for walks –soanactivefammilyisa must Momoislookkingfora home where shecanhoneherskills with further training.Sheneedsalarge, secure sectionandowwnerswith previous experiencetrainninghigher energydogs.
ApplytomeeetMomo now! Call TaurangaSPCA A on07578 0245 Ref: 645994.
FUND DELIVERS INITIATIVES WITH IMPACT FOR OLDER KIWIS
Inanationwherethepopulationisageingrapidly,fueling innovativethinkingandbringingboldideastolifeisatthe heartofafundcreatedtoimprovethewellbeingofour olderpeople
Drivenbycorevaluesofcareandcompassion,coupled withadesiretosupportdeliveryofhigh-qualitycarefor residentialagedcareproviderCHTCareHomesmakes substantialannualgrantsthroughitsCHTAgedCareFund Multiplegrantsareawardedeachyeartoprojectsfocusedon accesstocare,researchintotheneedsofolderpeople,and agedcareworkforcedevelopment
onthemeaningfulresultsoftheprojectsdeliveredtodate andtheirtangibleimpactacrossmanyareas
“Theneedsofolderpeople,andthecommunitiestheyare partof,arediverseandevolving,”saysMrsHall “Through thisfundwecanhelpthosewiththeideasandexpertiseto
“Wearecommittedtodeliveringaresident-focused experienceinourcarehomes,whilstalsorecognisingthatwe canplayamuchwiderroleinthewellbeingofolderpeople, throughourAgedCareFund”
Projects with Impact
Abroadrangeoforganisationshavereceivedsupportfrom thefund,eachwithacleargoaltogenerateimprovementsin care,researchorworkforcedevelopment
TheThirdAgeHealth‘NavigatingWellness’freeresources aredesignedtohelpimprovethepersonalhealthcare journeyforolderpeople,withanexceptionalresponsetothe handbookresultinginthecreationofanonlinehealthchecker toolwhichhelpstostreamlineandmaximisevisitstotheGP
CreatedbytheNewZealandDementiaFoundation, theDementiaSTARs(ShortTrainingsinAwarenessand Responsiveness)freeeducationalresourcekitswere createdtoassistthedementiacareworkforceincluding medical,nursing,supportworkersandeducators.Theeight modulesarebuiltonexpertresearchandsoundeducational principlesandaredesignedtobeeasilyintegratedinto everydaypractice.
‘BreakingBarriers: Understandingthe SocialConnection ChallengesofOlder Adults’isareport fromAgeConcern Thereportdraws attentiontothe detrimentalimpact oflonelinessand socialisolationamongsomeolderadultsrevealingahidden researchreportdelvesintotheintricatewebofbarriers thatcanhinderolderadultsfromparticipatinginsocial connectionopportunitiesinourcommunities Got an idea? Apply now. Grantsareconsideredforprojectsthatshowaclear
Successfulprojectsmustproviderobustkeyperformance indicatorsandreportingtoensureeachgrantisbeingused toitsfullestcapacity,withmaximumimpact Expressionsofinterestforthe2025roundofCHTAged CareFundgrantsarenowopenuntil31October2025.
cht.co.nz/aged-care-fund/
We see every day the toll that sun exposure can take especially here in the Bay, where outdoor life is part of who we are Now is the perfect time to check and address any skin concerns before summer arrives
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Leisuremarchersto stepoutinstyle
MercuryBayparkwillcomealivewith colour,musicandprecisiononSaturday, October18,withtheNorthIslandLeisure MarchingDisplayDay–anon-competitive eventcelebratingthespiritofcommunity, movementandcamaraderiethrough LeisureMarching.
Theevent,hostedbytheTaurangaLeisure MarchersGroup–agroupofsixlocalteams whohavespentthepasttwoyearsplanningthe day–isexpectedtoattractabout50teamsfrom WhangāreitoWellington.
“It’sadayfullofcolour,fun,fitnessand friendships,”saidGleniceDando,secretaryof theevent’sorganisingcommitteeandamember ofTauranga’sGlengyleteam.“It’sthemusicthat getsyougoing;agoodbeatisallthatisneeded. OurteammarchestoNeilDiamondandRicky Martinsongs.”Shesaideveryteamhastheirown uniform,music,anddisplay.
Laughter
Leisuremarchingisalow-impact,noncompetitiveactivityformaturewomen.
“You’rewalkingatpaceandyourarmsare swinging,soit'sgoodexercise,andgoodfitness. Also,aseachstepineachmovemustbecountedit isextremelygoodformentalfitness!Ourpractices sometimesjustdissolveintolaughter,andwego backandstartalloveragain.”
ThemovementbeganinTaurangain1991and hadsteadilygrowninpopularitywithmostteams practisingforanhourortwoonce-weekly.
Childrenfacingsurgeryat TaurangaHospitalwillreceivea personalisedteddybearthanks toarenewedpartnershipwith LTMcGuinnessandThe SurgicalResearchTrust. TheLTTeddyBearProgrammehas beenextendedforanothertwoyears andexpandedtotheBayofPlenty. Aspeciallauncheventwasheld inthehospital’schildren’swardlast month,whereeachchildontheward receivedtheirownLTTeddy. TaurangaHospitaljoinedthe
Thedisplaydaywillstart8.30amwithformer SilverFernandnetballlegendCaseyKopuataking thesaluteduringtheMarchPast.Afterthis,all sixTaurangateams–Glengyle,KaimaiRangers, MatuaMajors,Elite,PacificGuards,andGreerton Gold–willopentheprogramme,followedby performancesfromvisitingteams.
Eachteamwillpresentnomorethanafiveminutedisplay,withroutinessettoavarietyof upbeatmusic.“It’snotaboutcompetition,”said Dando.“Everyteamgetsoffthefloorandsays: ‘Wewontoday’becauseit’sallabouttheeffort,the teamwork,andthejoyofperformingtogether.”
TheTaurangaLeisureMarchersGrouphavebeen preparingtohostsinceSeptember2023,with Dandosayingthecollaborationbetweenlocalteams hadbeeneffective,rewardingand“fabulous”.
“Thecommitteehaveallformedstrong friendshipsandtheywillcontinue,Iimagine,for manyyearsafterthis.”
Freeentry
Visitorscanexpectafestive,welcoming atmosphere,withmarchersoutandabout inTaurangaduringtheweekend.Manyare makingamulti-daytripofit,enjoyinglocal accommodation,retailandhospitality.
AneveningfunctionatClassicFlyersMuseum willcapofftheday’scelebrations,withaliveband fortheteams.
programmeearlierthisyear,andfirst LTTeddywasgiftedtoasix-yearoldpatientonJuly24.Fromnow on,about80bearsperyearwillbe donatedtochildrenagedeightand underwhoareundergoingsurgeryat thehospital.
Firstlaunchedin2023,theLT TeddyBearProgrammeaimsto easethestressandanxietyofyoung surgicalpatients.Eachbearcomes withapersonalisedadoption certificate,whichallowschildrento nameand‘adopt’theirLTTeddy–a smallbutmeaningfulgestureduring achallengingtime.
Dandoencourageseveryonetocomealongand supporttheparticipatingteams.Entryisfreetothe NZLeisureMarchingNorthIslandDay,starting 8.30amatMercuryBaypark,MountMaunganuion Saturday,October18.
RosalieLiddleCrawford
Th The leaders of the six Tauranga marchers’ clubs: Linda Wakefield of Kaimai Rangers,SSally Smith of MatuaMajors,RobynCotterofGlengyle,JaynePorterofElite,KayeWebsterofPacificGuardsand LorraineYuleofGreertonGold. Photo/Supplied
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AwinterweekendonTuroa’s slopeswithyoungchildrenleftme amazedbyhoweasilyOhakuneand Raetihicouldtransformintoperfect summerdestinationstoo.
WhenwearrivedinRaetihione chillyJulyevening,ourcosyAirbnbset thetoneforarelaxedfamilygetaway. Saturdaywasspentglidingupthe mountainbygondola,tobogganingon thegentlerslopes,thendescendingin searchofthelegendaryJohnnyNation’s ChocolateÉclairShopinOhakune. Thesightoftheenormouscreamfilled,chocolate-icedpastrieswas unforgettable–though theydisappearedalmost instantly.
Dinosaurs!
Thenextmorning broughtachangeof paceatthefascinating DinosaurHouse museum,setinsidea 1922heritagebuilding incentralRaetihi.This smallbutimpressive two-storeymuseum –runbypassionate dinosaurenthusiasts IanandSarahMoore andtheirchildren–housesanengaging collectionoflife-sized replicas,fossils, andinteractive displays.Every cornerreveals something new–detailed exhibitsthat bringprehistoric
creaturestolife,retro videogamesinthe dinosaurarcade,andan outdoorsandpitwhere buddingpalaeontologists canexcavate‘fossils’. ClosedMondays,the museumopens10am otherdaysandscreens severalfilms,including ‘T.REX’,a40-minute documentarynarrated bySamNeill,with breathtakingvisualsof whatEarthmayhave lookedlike67 millionyears ago.The ground floor isfully wheelchairaccessible, whilethesecondfloor isreachedbystairs –areminderofthe building’searly20th Centurycharm. Thegiftshop providesarefreshing breakfromthelife-like animatroniccreatures, offeringeverything fromdinosaur-themed booksandtee-shirtsto ahilariouslyrealistic dinosaurtoiletroll holderinthenearby bathroom.
GetyoursummerfixinOhakuneandRaetihi
theirexperiences –cuddling babyalpacasat NevaleaAlpaca Farm,scaling theVertigo ClimbingWall inOhakune, walkingthrough thelush Mangawhero Forest,and exploring theNational ArmyMuseum innearby Waiouru.
DottieCrawford-Saunders,5, cuddlingababyalpacaatNevalea AlpacaFarm. Photo/Supplied At
“Wedida week-longtrip toOhakune overNewYear’s wherewewentonedaytoHappyValley atWhakapapaandhadhighteaatthe topofMountRuapehu,gettingupthere byridingtheglass-bottomedgondola,” saidFordSaunders,fatheroffive-yearoldDottieandsix-year-oldMoss.
“Whenwegottothetopitsnowed–inthemiddleofsummer!Wemetthe avalancherescuedog,watchedtheir moviesaboutthelocaliwiandRuapehu, andplayedgameslikeGiantJenga.
“WeenjoyedasunnydayatNevalea Alpacas–NewZealand’slargestalpaca farm,wherewewalkedalpacasand gottocuddlebabies.They’reverysoft andfluffy.”
Alpacas
MyTaurangabasedfamilylater returnedfora summerholidayand wereeffusiveabout
Andin what’snow become afamily tradition, theirvisit concluded withanother
NewSafeTravelwebsiteeasiertouse
NewZealandSafeTravel’swebsite–which giveshelpandadvicetoNewZealanders livingandtravellingoverseas–hasanewsite. RunbytheConsularDivisionoftheMinistry ofForeignAffairsandTrade,thenewwebsiteat: www.safetravel.govt.nzoffersaquickerandeasier experienceforKiwistoregistertheirtraveldetails, orforagrouptravellingtogether,likeasports teamortourgroup.
“Whenyouregisteryourplansandcontact details,wecansendyoutravelupdatesaboutthe placesyou’retravellingto,”thewebsitesaid. “Thisincludestheregulargeneralupdateswe maketoourtraveladvisories,andalsoanyspecific safetyorsecurityalertsforlocationsyouare travellingto.
abletocontactyouifyouhaveregisteredwithus.” Iftheworst-casescenariohitswhileKiwisare travelling,SafeTravelregistrantswillbethefirstto getoffersofassistance.
“IfyouhadanaccountontheoldSafeTravel registrationsite,yourregisteredtraveldetails willbebroughtacrossautomaticallytoour newwebsite.Allyouneedtodoischangeyour passwordwhenyoufirstlogin.Gotosafetravel. govt.nz/loginandclick‘Havetroubleloggingin’. “We’llalsobemessagingSafeTravelusersdirectly toadvisethemofthischangeandthestepsthey needtotake.”
fewhourslostamongthedinosaurs.Learnmore at:www.dinosaurhouse.co.nz
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Onceyou’veloggedin,checkthedetailsonyour fileandupdateifneededbyopeningtheTravellers tabandreviewingdetailsforeachtraveller, includinghowlongyouwantyourdatakeptin thesystem.
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Moss Crawford-Saunders, 6, at the Dinosaur House museum in Raetihi. Phooto / Rosalie Liddle Crawford
Theanswertoallyourpoolneeds
With25yearsofpoolconstruction experience,AndrewNewittisthego-to expertforallyourswimmingpoolquestions.
HiscompanyPOOLCOisbasedinTauranga,and NewittisacertifiedCascadePoolagent.
“Since1971,CascadePoolshasbeenrecognised forbuildingsuperiorin-groundpools,earning anexceptionalreputationfortheirlonglife,low runningcosts,easymaintenancewithlesschemicals andoutstandingdurability,”saidNewitt.
“Theyareafreeform,fullyinsulatedconcrete pool,finishedwithalinerthathasalife expectancyof25-30years,andcomeswitha manufacturer’s25-yearstructuralwarranty."
“WhatmakesCascadePoolsunique,istheir flexibilityastheycanbedesignedtofitanysite andtakeonanyshape,ensuringtheclientgets exactlywhattheywant,”saidNewitt.
Cascadepoolscomewith‘Aquagenie’an incrediblewatersystemwithozonetreatmentto eliminatechlorinemessandchemicalhandling.
Forpeoplestartingtogettheiroutdoorlivingareas readytoenjoysummer,Newittistheirman.
He’salsoavailabletorefurbishyouroldlooking poolnomatterifconcrete,fiberglass,oraluminium. UsingaquaBRIGHTecoFINISH,aunique flamespraywheretheypowdercoatonsitewith compositeplastic,yourtiredpoolcanberestored, refreshed,andbroughtbacktolife.
Whenitcomestofinishingoffyourpoolwith decking,fencing,andlandscaping,Newittworks alongsideexperiencedandqualifiedsubcontractors, socanorganise everythingtobe completedtoyour requirements.
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AndrewNewittfrom Poolcoapplying aquaBRIGHT ecoFINISH.
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W Worker Juan Melendez and Andrew Newitt on a job site. Photo / Brydie Thompson
Microgardeningforanny spaceandbudget
Thismonth,Iwanttotalk tothereaderswhodon’thave biggardens,orlargespaces togardenin.
Maybeyouonlyhaveapatio?Noproblem! Patioscanofferwindprotectionandawarm, sunnyspotforminigardenstothrive.
Cropsthatareeasytogrowonpatios includedeterminatecherryand grapetomatoes,coriander, basil,dill,thyme,oregano, rosemary,chives,spring onions,cuttingcelery, microgreens,andcos lettuce,justtoname afew.
Chooseglazed ceramicpotsover orangeterracotta ones,whichcandry outtooquickly.
Potatoescanbe easilygrownin compactfabricbagsor foodgradebucketswith drainageholesdrilledinto thebottom.Alwaysposition yourcontainerswheretheycan receivenaturalrain.
beneficialmicro-organisms,to yourfoodscrapsinlayersinan airtightcontainerthatcanbe drainedatthebottom,similartoa wormfarm.Oncescrapsaredone fermenting,youcanaddthemdirectlytopatio potstofeedplants,ortoalargebucketofsoilfor constantturnover.Youcanalsowaterplantswith bokashirun-offliquid,dilutedinwater.
HeardofBokashi?
Ifyoudon’thavespaceforacompostheapor tumbler,checkoutbokashi,anancientJapanese pre-compostingmethodofpicklingfoodscraps. Thisanaerobic(withoutoxygen)composting methodgivesyoucompostinaslittleaseight weeks.Bokashirequiresaddinginoculatedbran–availableatlocalgardencentres–whichcontains
Govertical!
Ifyou’reshortonspace, verticalgardeningcanbe effective.Youcanfind verticalplasticand clothpocketsystems atgardencentresor onlineretailers.Or, youcanDIYwith somepowertools andfood-grade pipingtocreateyour owngrowtowers. However,dobear inmindthatpatioand containergardensneed regularfeedingbecausethe plants’rootsystemscannot growasdeep.Feedyourcontainer plantsregularlywithcoffeegrounds, choppedbananapeels,crushedeggshells,slowreleasefertiliser,bloodandbone,liquidseaweed, andbokashicompost.Givetomatoesgardenlime atthetimeofplantingandfloweringtoprevent blossomendrot.
MelissaCoxisownerofPapamoaPickYourOwnFlowers,agarden offeringaffordablepick-your-ownflowersforweddings,partiesand specialoccasions.Learnmoreat:tinyurl.com/papamoaflowers
Experthedgetrimmingaphonecallaway
HedgesRUshasbeenaroundformore than10years,saidTerryAmos,whostarted thebusinesshimself.
“Weusedtotakerubbishtothetipforafew years.
“Thenafewyears laterIboughta chipperandputa binonmytruck.”
Beforegoing outonhisown, heworkedfor anarboristfor sixyears.“I haveanarborist backgroundand
havebeenfullytrainedbyanarborist.”
HedgesRUsisfullyinsuredandAmossaid hetakesprideinhisworkqualityand workmanship.“Wedohedges,Buxushedges, shrubs,trees,removals,andchipping.”
HedgesRUs servicesTauranga City,Ōmokoroa, Katikati,Mount Manganuiand Kaimai–“but wedonotgoto Pāpāmoaor TePuke”.
Getafreequote byphoning 0211923159.
TePunaQuarryParkishosting aplantsalethisSunday,October 12,from10am-1pmon-sitefor greenfingerskeentogetholdof newitemsforthegardenthis spring.
Gardenandindoorplants, vegetableandflowerseedlings, gardenpotsandtoolswillbe forsale,aswillcraftygiftsand
preserves.TheOmokoroaLions Clubwillhaveasausagesizzle runningtoo. Theplantsaleraisesfunds forTePunaQuarryPark.Park volunteerswelcomequality donationsofplants,potsand gardentoolsforthesale.To donate,phoneBarbaraHickman 0211355579.
Hedges R Us has
ExperienceBeethovenupcloseinTauranga
WhenOpusOrchestra’sgeneral managerRebeckaBeetzfirst heardBeethoven’s‘Symphony No.7’,shewassweptaway byitsenergy.
“It’smusicthatmakesyouwantto move,tofeelalive.ButIalsoknow thatsteppingintoanorchestral
concertcanfeeldauntingifyoudon’t alreadyknowthepiece.
“That’swhyI’msoexcitedabout whatOpusOrchestraisbringingto TaurangathisOctober.”
OnSunday,October19,atSt PetersintheCity,OpusOrchestra presents‘BeethovenUnwrapped!’–a concertthatBeetzsaiddoesexactly whatitpromises.
BEETHOVEN UNWRAPPED
Sun19Oct,3pm
StPetersintheCity 130SpringSt Tauranga BOOK:eventfinda.co.nz
“Inthefirsthalf,guestconductorBrentStewart willguideyouthroughthesymphony’sdriving rhythms,playfultwists,andsoaringmelodies. “Brenthasagiftformakingmusicengaging andaccessible,it’saninvitationtostepinside
Beethoven’s world!” Aftera shortbreak, theorchestra willperform thefull
symphony,saidBeetz.“Thisiswherethemagic happens–becauseyou’vealreadybeenintroduced toitssecrets,themusicfeelsaliveinanewway. Whetheryou’reatyourfirstorchestralconcertor yourfiftieth,it’sunforgettable!”
Whatexciteshermos accessibleforeveryone studentsand$30-$35 makingitaffordablefo ‘BeethovenUnwrapp theCity,130SpringS October19,from3pm Purchaseticketsatop Eventfinda Th
stisthatthisconcertis e.“Ticketsstartat$10for foradultsandseniors, orthewholecommunity.” ped!’isatStPetersin t,Tauranga,onSunday, m. pusorchestra.co.nzoronthe awebsite.
ThankstoOpusOrchestra, TheWeekendSun hastwodouble passesto‘Beethoven Unwrapped!’on October19togive awaytotwolucky readerswhocantellus thenameoftheguest conductor?
ThisSunday,October12,MemorialPark willcomealivewithcolour,musicand communityasFluroFestreturnstoTauranga’s JordanFieldfor2025.
HostedbyYouthVoicesAction(YVA)in partnershipwithTaurangaCityCouncilandTe WhatuOraBayofPlenty,thisyear’sFluroFest celebrates2025’sMentalHealthAwarenessWeek themeof‘TopUpTogether’.
YVAgeneralmanagerErikaHarveysaidtheevent willbringeveryonetogethertocloseMentalHealth AwarenessWeekwithconnection,movement,and funforallages.
“It’sallaboutrechargingourwellbeingby connecting,learning,anddoingthingsthatfillour cups,together.”
Harveysaidthisyear’sline-upisoneforthebooks, featuringKiwifavourites,TheHarmonicResonators andthedebutperformanceofNathanSamson Thompson–ayounglocalrapperwithanincredible storyandanevenbetterturnofphrase.“Alongside themusic,there’ssomethingforeveryone,bubbles, circustricks,football,frisbeegolf,TaiChi,market stalls,foodtrucks,andworkshops.
“Whetheryou’regivingsomethingnewago,or justrelaxinginthesunwithgoodcompanyand goodkai,FluroFesthasyoucovered!”
Harveysaideachyeartheeventgrows,andthis yearofferedabeautifulreminderthatcommunity careismentalhealthcare.“FluroFestisabout
WesternBayofPlentyresidentshaveuntil October22tonominatecommunityvolunteers, groupsandprojectsforthe2026WesternBay CommunityAwards.
Theawardsaredividedintosevencategories: CommunityEventAward,SustainableFuture Award,DiversityandInclusionAward,Heart oftheCommunityAward,YouthSpirit Award,VolunteeroftheYearAward,andBest CollaborationAward APeople’sChoiceAwardwillopeninFebruary forthepublictovoteontheirfavouritefinalist;
Toenter,visit: sunlive.co.nzandclick onthe‘competitions’ tab.Entriesmustbein byTuesday,October14.
FluroFestreturnsthisSundayfor2025
celebratinglife,connection,andthepowerof comingtogether,”Harveysaid.
“Theeventisfreetoattendsobringyourwhānau, packapicnic,orgrabsomethingtastyfromoneof ourlocalfoodtrucks.”
AnumberofPrezzyCardswillbeupforgrabsat theeventthankstosponsors–thosekeencanhead toYouthVoicesAction’sFacebookpagetofindout howtoenter.“Allprizeswillbedrawnliveonthe dayalongwithBestDressedinFluro,somakesure you’retheretojointhefunandbeintowin.”
FluroFest2025isonSunday,October12,at JordanField,MemorialPark,Tauranga,from 1pm-4pm.Entryisfree–andallages arewelcome.Formoreinformation,visit: www.youthvoicesaction.org.nzorfollow @YOUthVoicesActiononFacebook.
Nominatethosewho’vedonegoodinyourcommunity!
andaLifetimeServiceAwardwinnerwillbe announcedontheawardsshownightatHoly TrinityTaurangaonMarch19,2026,where categorywinnerswillbeannounced. Anynot-for-profitorganisationorvolunteers intheWBOPcanbenominatedfortheawards, whicharedeliveredbyTECT,AcornFoundation, BayTrust,TaurangaCityCouncilandWBOP DistrictCouncil.Theawardsarebasedon activitiesundertakenintheprevious12months–fromNovember1,2024-October31,2025.Make nominationsbyOctober22at:www.tect.org.nz
Opus Orchestra’s Michie Nishiyama in action.
Photo / Brydie Thompson
TheHarmonicResonatorsperformingat FluroFest2024. Photo/Supplied
Diwalli tollighhtupHHistoriicVVillage
TheTaurangaDiwali FestivalreturnsonSaturday, October18,bringinga vibrantcelebrationof culture,community,and traditiontotheHistoric Villagefrom2pm-9pm.
Thisone-dayeventwillfeature sevenhoursofcaptivating performancesfromadiverse line-upoflocal,national,and internationalartists,saidfestival organiserBelaDasi.
Attendeescanexpectan immersiveculturalexperience thathighlightstheessence ofDiwali,oneofthemost significantfestivalsinIndiaand amongHinducommunities
worldwide,Dasisaid.
“Eachyear,thiscelebration iscuratedtobeauniqueand lastingexperience.We’reexcited topresentarichprogrammethat includessoulfulKirtanmusic, devotionalstorytelling,chanting andmantra,alongsidedelicious vegetariancuisineandbeautifully craftedartisangoods.”
Astandoutfeatureofthisyear’s festivalisarareandthoughtprovokingDanceDrama, offeringafreshinterpretation oftraditionalperformanceart, saidDasi.
“Internationalperformer MaliniTaneja,visitingfrom theUnitedStates,willjoina talentedensembleofartiststo deliveradynamicandinspiring stageperformance.”
TheNatureConservancy’s2025OceaniaPhoto Contestisopenforentries,with$15,000inprizes waitingforpassionatephotographersfromNew Zealand,Australia,SolomonIslands,andPapuaNew Guineawhocancapturenature’sincrediblestory. Thecompetitionhassixcategories:Peopleand nature;climate;water;lands;plantsandfungi; andwildlife.
Lastyear’sinauguralcontestbroughthundreds
Diwali,knownastheFestivalof Lights,symbolisesthetriumph oflightoverdarkness,good overevil,andknowledgeover ignorance,Dasisaid.
TheTaurangaDiwaliFestival invitespeopleofallbackgrounds andbeliefstocometogetherin aspiritofunity,celebration,and culturalappreciation.
“Thisisauniqueopportunity forthewidercommunityto experiencethebeautyanddepth ofDiwaliinawelcomingand festiveenvironment.Makesure youaskabouttheirreuseable cupinitiative.”
TaurangaDiwaliFestivalison Saturday,October18,from2pm9pmattheHistoricVillage,17th AveWest,TaurangaCity.Entryis viagoldcoin.
ofentriesacrossAotearoa–withoneinfive showcasingNewZealand’sremarkablelandscapes fromnewandseasonedphotographers,including Forest&BirdsupporterRogerSmith,who scoopedthePeopleandNaturecategoryandwas runner-upintheWildlifesection.Whatstory willyourlenstell?
Enterat:https://f.mtr.cool/kfkazbtiliEntries close:October24,2025.
TheNewZealandShakeOut –ourcountry’snational earthquakedrillandtsunami hīkoi(evacuation)–is happeningnextThursday, October16.
Theself-rundrillencourages Kiwisnationwideto‘drop,cover andholdfor60seconds’and practiseyourevacuationifyou liveinatsunamievacuationzone. Heldacrosstheworld,the annualShakeOuteventisto remindpeopleoftherightaction totakeduringanearthquake–drop,coverandhold. Kiwiscansignuponlineat: getready.govt.nz/involved/ shakeoutasanindividual,
FamilyDoctors,Brookfield wouldliketowelcome DrJanetteFlorendo
JanetteisaGPwhovaluesbalance,in bothmedicineandlife.Sheispassionate aboutsupportinghealththrough evidence-basedWesternmedicine alongsidecomplementaryapproaches suchasyoga,mindfulness,andother holisticpractices.Mentalhealthand wellbeingareattheheartofhercare,and shetakestimetolisten,connect,and understandeachperson’suniquestory. Janetteisacceptingnewenrolments.
householdororganisation forthisyear’sNewZealand ShakeOut,withprizestobewon. Individualscouldwinfirst aidcoursecouponsanda$100 Bunningsvoucher. Householdscanwinprize packs–includingagrabbag, safetygear,solarpowerbank, petfirstaidkit–plusa$100 Bunningsvoucher. Fororganisations,including schoolsandmarae,15wheelie binsfilledwithemergency supplies,groupfirstaidtraining anda$100Bunningsvoucher willbeupforgrabs. Nationwide,morethan 569,545peoplehavealready registered.Signupat:getready. govt.nz/involved/shakeout
Wearealsopleasedtoofferthefollowing newservicesatFamilyDoctors: TRAVELCLINIC: OurTravelClinicofferstravel advice,vaccinations,andhealthpreparation tailoredtoyourdestinationandneeds.Casual patientswelcome.
COMPANYMEDICALS&DRUG/ALCOHOL TESTING: Weprovidepre-employment, annual,andworkplacemedicalassessments, alongwithdrugandalcoholtestingservices, tohelpbusinessessupportasafeandhealthy workforce.
Acceptingenrolmentsforanyonenewtothe Taurangaarea.Forpatientstransferringlocally pleasecontactreceptionatoneofourlocations.
83PyesPaRoad, PyesPa |P:075432221 | 1CaslaniLane, TheLakes |P:075432229 223OtumoetaiRoad, Otumoetai |P:075702555 | enquiries@familydoctors.co.nz www.familydoctors.co.nz
KemOrmond
Gurnoor Singh, 11, Udaybir Singh, 12, Manroop Singh, 13, and Sahibjot Singh, 10, get ready for Tauranga Diwali Festival, which returns on October 18. Photo / Brydie Thompson
Musicthatmakesmesmile
Everysooftenmusiccomesalong thatmakesyousmileindelight.
Thathappenedtometwicethisweek,so Ifeelparticularlyfortunate,bothinstances causedbynewTaurangamusic.
Firsttimewasaleft-fieldreleasefrom abandalreadyinhabitingtheleft-field. IcaughtTheInth’wayMangosteen Experienceatlastyear’sFringeFestival, aduowithfemalespokenword,soaring rockguitarandpsychedelicprojections.It waspretty“arty”stuff.Thisnewofferingis surprisinglyaccessiblewithenoughspark tobecomeacultclassicofsorts.
Across 7.Inventorofthedisposablesyringe(5,7)
8.Glacier(SI)(6)
9.Greasy (6)
10.Game(7)
12.Unfilled(5)
15.Love(5)
16.Nativetree(7)
18.River(SI)(6)
20.Picturesque(6)
22.Showing nosymptons(medicine)(12)
Down
1.Illustrious(8)
2.Colour(4)
3.Appeared(7)
4.Clutch(5)
5.Bloodpoisoning (8)
6.Notion(4)
11.Syntheticinsecticide (8)
13.Fantastic(8) 14.Musicalinstrument (7)
17.Cheerful(5) 19.Beyond(4)
21.Cheese(4)
Inth’wayplaysguitarandbasson‘Tighter Jeans,HigherScreams;apaeanto1980s Big-HairL.A.Rock.HeandvocalistMama HollywoodhaveteamedwithNapier drummerJaxon‘PartyWolf’Mitchellfor anepic,veryfunnynostalgicdivethrough theeighties,withstop-offsfortheKiwiana likesofSweetwaters,DavidBainandthe GoodnightKiwi.Italsowinsanawardfor theyear’slongestending.
KiwiDIYfeel
Inth’wayisalsoavideo-makerandeven betteristhevideo–checkYouTubenow –whichmanagestobespectacularwhile retainingadelightfullyKiwiDIYfeel.
Now,analbumWelcomeBay’s ColourfieldStudioheadTimJulian said“startedoffwithBrianFranksand Imessingaboutwithbasslinestodrink coffeeto,thenhasballoonedfrom there”.It’sthethirdreleaseunderJulian’s “bandname”FragileColours,nowon digitalplatformsunderthesprightlytitle ‘ExperimentsInDepthOfFieldAtThe ArabicaCafé’.
Itcomprisesteninstrumentals,each themedtoadifferentcoffee,smoothly groovingonabedofTim'skeyboards andBrian'sbass,withanimpressively
internationalbunchof musicianspoppingbyto guest.It'smademesmile allweek.
Instrumentalmusic
Taurangahasformwithinstrumental music,particularlyacoupleoffine albumsfromLiamRyan,andguests includeMarkDennison,mainplayer onEddieRayner’srecent‘DoubleLife’ album.NextweekI’lldigintothealbum andplayersinmoredepth. There’sagignextweekforthosewith leaningstowardssophisticatedjazz,anew monthlyjazznightatTheTaurangaClub onDevonportRd.
BlackCoffeeCollectiveisthebrainchild oflocalsingerandmusician,Joanne Melbourne,anopportunitytobring topjazzandbluesmusicianstogether tocreatethemedshows.Eachmonth featuresadifferentline-up:theinaugural Septemberperformancewaspurejazz fromsomeoftheBay’sfinest;aNatKing Colenightispromised.
TaurangaCityCouncilishostingahands-ondune restorationeventatMountMaunganuithisSunday, October12.
Findoutaboutwhichplantsarenativesandlearn aboutthedifferentzonesinthedunes,beforehelping withweedingtoreduceinfestations.Bydiggingout iceplantandexoticdaisies,itwillhelpnativeflora
NextFriday,October 17,it’sJazzOfAges, asJoanne,withTroy Weeninkonkeyboards andbassistJamesUpjohn, reimaginepopsongsasjazztunes.The clubhasaprivatemembers’loungethat isopentoeveryonefortheseevenings, thoughbasedontheturnoutlastmonthit wouldpaytobook. Thenightbefore,October16,isthe secondconcertaspartofHolyTrinity Tauranga’s150AnniversaryCelebrations, wherelegendaryMaorigospelbluesman, SteveApirana,whostartedwaybackwith iconic1970srockbandButler,isplaying alongsidesinger-songwriterandmultiinstrumentalist,AinsleyApirana.They promiseasoulfuleveningofmusic andstorytelling.
HearWinston’s LatestPlaylist
ScantheQRcode,orvisit:
www.tinyurl.com/427fwtxa
andfaunathrive.ThisSunday’ssessionwillberunby thecouncil’soperationsteamfrom9.30am-11am.All agesarewelcomeandnotoolsareneeded–justbring closedtoeshoesandenthusiasm.
Keentomuckin?Toregister,emailAngusGoughvia at:angus.gough@tauranga.govt.nzFurtherdetailswill beemailedwhenyourspotisconfirmed.
TheBatteryTownRallyBayofPlentywill bringhigh-speedmotorsporttotheregionthis weekend,withTauranga,MountMaunganui andKawerausettoseefull-throttleaction. Therallyreturnsfor2025onOctober10-11 withathrillingnewroute.
Theeventstartswitharallyshowtoday, October10,atMitre10Mega,CameronRd, Tauranga,from4.30pm-6pmthatincludesa ceremonialstartfromtheircarpark.
ThenSaturdaymorning,October11,therally starts5.45amfromClassicFlyersattheMount. Driverswilltakeoffontwoearlymorning stagesbeforeheadingtoKawerauforService1, thentwostagesandarefuel,backtoRegroup/ Service2andtwomorestagesandarefuel beforeService3atKawerau.Thenthere’sfour morestagestogo,withashortrefuel/servicein themiddlebeforevehiclesheadbacktoMount MaunganuifortheceremonialfinishatClassic Flyers.ThisiswheretheFinishParcFermewill beandtheprizegivingramp. Toseeaspectatormapandfindoutmore details,visit:www.rallybop.org.nz
TheInth’wayMangosteenExperience. Photo/Supplied
Thewakamovesbestwheneveryonerows!
Re:‘NZmustbecomeanationofonepeople’, (Letterspage25,TheWeekendSunSeptember26, 2025edition).
KiaoraColinStitt.Welcomehome!After20 yearsintheUnitedStatesyoumust’venoticed onebigdifference:hereinAotearoa,Māori didn’tjust“makeinroadsintotheculture”–we aretheculture!ThehakabeforetheAllBlacks kickoff?Māori.Theplacenamesyou’vebeen drivingpast?Māori.Even‘Katikati’thetown underyoursignature,isaMāoriname.Imagine ifweinsistedonrenamingit‘Smithville’to avoidthehorrorofsplitcultures?
Youaskwhatwouldhappenifwehad‘Pākehā wards’.Colin,wealreadydo:they’recalledthe restofthewards.MāoriwardssimplygiveMāori communitiesafairshotatrepresentationin
ThearticleaboutDougLeederwasagoodread. ButwhileIrespectthemanIthinktheideato abolishtheregionalcouncilsinNewZealandis spoton.PrimeMinisterChristopherLuxonsaid he’sopentoit–Isaydoitman,andnow! Theyaresimplymoney-wastersthatuspoor ratepayersdon’tneed.
Apartfromfundingnativetreesandplants forwetlandsIcan’tthinkofanythingelsethese councilsdothatactuallymakeadifference.Imean weallknowtheycan’truntheregion’sbussystem adequately.Andwithcitycouncilresponsiblefor bus-stopsandlocalroadsitseemslogicalthatthey sortthebussestoo.
Moreover,whenBayofPlentyRegionalCouncil optedtochargetheirownratesthroughaseparate system–removingitfromthecombinedratesbill withWesternBayofPlentyandTaurangaCity councils–theyclaimeditwouldreducecoststo ratepayers.Well,bothmyratesbillshaveonly risen.Solet’sgetridoftheregionalcouncilsquick smartandlessentheburdenonratepayers.
WRITETOUS
TheWeekendSunwelcomesletterstothe editorfromreadersbutpleasenote: •Lettersshouldnotexceed200words •Theyshouldbeopinionbasedonfactsor currentevents
•Ifpossible,pleaseemaillettersto: letters@thesun.co.nzorpostto: PrivateBag12002,TaurangaMailCentre •Nonoms-de-plume
Email:letters@thesun.co.nz (200wordsmaximum)suppliedwithfullnameandcontactdetails. Formorelettersgotowww.sunlive.co.nz
systemsdesignedwithoutusinmindsincethey wereimposedbycolonialgovernmentsinthe 19thCenturythatassumedtherighttodoso. Asforeveryschoolchildlearningtereo Māori:luckythem.Beingbilingualimproves brainfunction,culturalempathyandeconomic opportunity.Farfromawasteoftime,it’san upgradefrommonolingualism.
TheTreatyofWaitangididn’tpromise sameness–itpromisedpartnership.Harmony doesn’tmeanonevoicedrowningoutanother, itmeansdifferentnotesworkingtogether. That’swhatmakesthemusic.Sorelax,Colin. Thewakahasmorethanonepaddle,andit movesforwardbestwheneveryonerows.
Ngāmihi,
ManuCaddie,TaurangaCity
OnSaturdaymorning,asthunderrolled,thesky darkenedandrainwasimminent,Iwastottering alongwithmystickandmybagstothebusstop. Awomanwhowaswalkingherdogandlived nearbynoticedme.Sherushedhomeforhercar andpulledupatthebusstopandofferedmearide towhere-everIwasgoing.Thisyoungwomandid notknowme,andIdidnotknowher,yetpurely outofgenuinekindnessshetookthetroubleto helpacompletestranger.Sothankyoutothekind personofHollisterLane.Sheevenleftherdogat homeincasethedogstartledme.Amongallthe problemsofourlittlecountryitisheart-warming toknowthatsimplekindnessarestillaroundus.
RosalindPercy,Ohauiti
First,readingBillCapamagian’sletterrethe portshares,Iamappalledthatthecouncil wouldconsidersellingthose!
Re:‘NZmustbecomeanationofone people’,(Letterspage25,TheWeekend SunSeptember26,2025edition). Irespondto‘NZmustbecome anationofonepeople…’and‘no countryisacountrywithsplit culturesfightingforsupremacy’. Curiously,thereismuchwemiss whenweholdoursinglestoryof culture,harmony,equality,supremacy. Britishhistoriansofferchallengeand insightintosinglestories.Thattermed theDoctrineofDiscovery,thenotion ofoneearlyvisitor’sentitlementto supremacy.TheDoctrinearrived viaJamesCookdeclaringhehad discoveredNewZealand. Contrarily,thislandwasalready richlyknown,cultured,cherished byhapuMāori.Māorididnot denigratehisinabilityinnot speakingMāori,andovertime
KMorland,Katikati
•Letterswillbepublishedwith namesandsuburb/town •Includefullname,address andcontactdetails,forourrecordsonly •Lettersmaybeedited,abridged,or rejectedattheEditor’sdiscretion •Rejectedlettersarenotnormally acknowledged •Theeditor’sdecisiononpublicationisfinal
SecondIagreewithPJonesonthe would-becouncillorsclaimaboutrates.I alwayspickaspirantswhoclaimtheywilldo somethingaboutourmegadebt.Ithought thiswouldmeanthingslikeeconomising, belt-tightening,sensibleconsiderationsetc.I justgetdisappointed!
DLawrence,Ōtūmoetai
NZME,405CameronRd Pak‘nSave,CameronRd, Tauranga TaurangaInformationCentre, 1DevonportRd TaurangaLibrary, GoddardsArcade, 55DevonportRd TaurangaAirport GreertonLibrary TheFreshMarket, GatePaShoppingCentre MerivaleDairy, 5MerivaleRd,Parkvale SuperValueSupermarket, 83PyesPaRd,PyesPa FourSquareTheLakes, 1CaslaniLane,PyesPa FourSquare,WelcomeBay PalmersWelcomeBay, 1OhauitiRoad HartiesLiquorStore, 198MaungatapuRoad
Last month there wasthe death of a man that shocked many around the world
He was an influential, controversial figure who influenced many and hasbeen praised as a martyr. Yet to paraphrase a speaker at his memorial service, he is in heaven “ not because he sacrificed hislife for his saviour, but because his Savior sacrificed himself for him”
The truth is we all have a coming hour John Donne wrote we should: “Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee”
In John 12:23, Jesus knew that his hour was coming Yet hisdeath would give life, as verse 24 states: “Verytruly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat fallsto the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed But if it dies, it produces many seeds” He was the only perfectly righteous man who ever lived, yet he chose to give up his life for others
That is what Jesus’death produced: the forgivenessofsins, new life, andhope for the world Leon Morris said: “Thegospel is the gospel for the whole world becauseof the cross ” This means that all can come to God becauseof Him We don’t usuallyknow when thebell will toll for us, but we need not fear because of Jesus. Yet, we still have a decision to makewhen we hear His call. We canrespond orturn away. How will you respond?
ReverendMike Kirkby-Sing, Bethlehem Community Church
MountBeachsideHolidayPark, 1AdamsAve PaperPlus,130MaunganuiRd NewWorld,CnrMaunganuiRd &TweedSt MountRSA, 544MaunganuiRd BayfairShoppingCentre informationdesk FreshChoicePapamoa, 20CoastBoulevard,Papamoa PapamoaPlaza FourSquarePapamoa, 4GoldenSandsDr CountdownBureta, Otumoetai FourSquareCherrywood, Otumoetai BrookfieldFoodMart, 75BellevueRd MatuaDairy,97LeversRd, Matua
How will ou res on ?
ChurchesActiveInOurCommunity
generouslysoughtaTreaty(Te TiritioWaitangi,1840)alongside theBritishCrowntoenablenew settlerstobewelcomewithin respectforagreedphilosophies, tikanga;thatMāoriheldthesame privilegesasBritish,respectforthe practicesofhapuMāoriandtheir sophisticatedorderedsocialpolitical economicsystems.AmongTeTiriti agreementsliesrespectfortaonga, treasureoflanguage,thereoMāori whichmanyofourIrishScottish Danishsettlerfamiliesfindenriches ourrelationshipwithhapuMāori, land,spiritualityandlegacies.May thisworldembraceandenable recognitionofpartnershipforyour writerratherthanexperiencing ‘fightingforsupremacy?’MauriOra. DrMerrillSimmonsHansen, Avenues
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PhoneGianni021720164 widespazio@hotmail.com www.europlast.co.nz
CANVAS REPAIRS
•SpaPoolCovers
•BoatCoverRepairs
•OutdoorFurniture
•SleepingBagZips
•GeneralRepairs 072620022
25bBirchAve,Judea www.canvasrepairs.nz
GUTTERSCLEANED fromjust$100+gst ROOFSCLEANED CHIMNEYSWEEP SPRAYINGCOBBLES, DRIVEWAYS,FENCES, HOUSES&MORE Greatpricesplus2yearwarranty
PhoneMurraynowforyour
FREEQUOTE08002877697 or0274495985
Unit12,56NewtonStreet MountMaunganui
P:075750139
E:christine@bopgaragedoors.co.nz
Web:www.garador.co.nz
HOUSEWASH
Professionalexteriorsoft-wash foryourhouse,roofing,allfences, paths,driveways&patiosforthe bestcleaningofmoss,lichen& algaeusinginteractiveproducts. Wealsoclean&flushgutters, washexteriorofwindows&offer generalwaterblasting. Accessisneveraproblem with100mofhose.
Wecometoyou!
(07)2621000Tauranga info@silverservice.co.nz www.silverservice.co.nz
Promptlocalservicewith over20+yrsexperience. CalloremailAndyforafreequote housewash@xtra.co.nz 0800747787or0273134386
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BAYPARKSPEEDWAY MERCURYBAYPARKSTADIUM 2025/2026SEASONDATES 2025|Oct18&25•Nov08&22 •Dec06,27&30 2026|Jan16&17•Feb14&21 •Mar14&21•Apr04 Pleasenotesomeeventdatesmay changeduetoweatherconditions andunforeseencircumstances. Foralistofup-to-dateeventsvisit www.bayparkspeedway.co.nz Foranynoisecomplaintsplease call075742227 Foranyqueries,pleaseemail info@bayparkspeedway.co.nz SPEEDWAYRACINGLIMITED
Gardening& Landscaping
ABLE gardenerexperienced, efficient,knowledgeable, highlyqualified. Maintenance,pruning, hedges,shrubs,roses; disease/pestcontrol, lifestyleblocks,garden renovations;designand plant.PhBen0211331857 bellissimolandscapes@hotmail.com
ServicesOffered
BuilderAvailable
Decks,fencesandsmall alterations.Reliable, affordable.Qualified Builder,LBP&NZCB. Freequotes. PhoneShane0221655995
Personal MEETJANET
WidowedSeniorLady,heart ofgold,brunette,greeneyes andslimfigure.Enjoys walkingdancingsinging andcooking.Wouldsuit genuinegentseekinglong termcompanionship.Call todayformoreinfo 0800888337 Genuinecallersonly
